Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a painful condition of the shoulder which significantly reduces its range of motion. The restriction mostly prevents raising the arm to the side and turning the arm outward.
The shoulder joint is held together by ligaments, the labrum (joint capsule) and the muscles of the rotator cuff (the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis muscles). The tendons for the rotator cuff muscles blend into the labrum to strengthen and stabilize the shoulder joint. When the ligaments, labrum or muscles are damaged, the shoulder is immobilized to reduce pain and to help it to heal. With prolonged immobilization the joint capsule becomes contracted and tight, causing pain and restricting movement, resulting in frozen shoulder.
There are 2 classifications of frozen shoulder, primary and secondary. The cause of primary frozen shoulder is unknown. Secondary frozen shoulder is more prevalent and involves injuries such as rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or muscle strains. Both result in restricted motion and pain.
In the early stages of the condition, pain predominates. Pain is felt more severely at night and sleep is often affected. As the condition progresses, range of motion may become severely restricted and activities of daily living (i.e. combing hair, scratching your back and getting dressed) are severely limited. Essentially, any motions that require the arm to reach over the head can be painful and restricted.
Another factor contributing to pain and restriction is scar tissue formation. When a muscle is injured, an inflammatory process begins to repair the damaged tissue. As a result of the inflammatory process, scar tissue may develop, especially if the affected area is left untreated. Once developed, scar tissue can affect the muscle and joint capsule, compromising its normal length, strength and mobility.
Over time, muscle stiffness and immobilization from pain of the shoulder may affect the muscles of the neck. These muscles may become tender and tight and trigger points (irritable nodules or “knots”) may develop in the muscles.
By seeking treatment in the early stages after frozen shoulder, these effects can be controlled and minimized. Massage therapy significantly helps with pain reduction, breaks down scar tissue and returning the shoulder to full function.
If you have any questions about Frozen Shoulder and how registered massage therapy can help, please give us a call at 416-926-0084.
Linda Jung works with a multi-disciplinary team of Naturopathic Doctors, Chiropractor and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the Rosedale Natural Health Clinic located in the Rosedale neighborhood of Toronto.